World University Service of Canada

Location: Kenya

The aim is to improve learning outcomes of refugee and host community girls in upper grades (classes 5 to 8) through provision of remedial classes (among other targeted project interventions). Specifically, the remedial programmes address two key challenges: girls’ poor academic performance and low levels of community support for girls’ education.

The provision of remedial education has helped girls to improve their overall academic performance. Between 2014 and 2015, girls in Class 6 showed the greatest improvement in literacy test scores, from an average of 32 in 2014 to 42 by the end of 2015. Qualitative evidence shows that girls value the remedial education programmebecause it allows them additional time outside of regular school to continue their studies, which is not always possible for them to do at home.

Increased attendance and demand for remedial classes in both Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps has shown that parents and guardians are increasingly willing to allow girls to attend additional classes on weekends. Given that girls might otherwise be tasked with household responsibilities, families are increasingly making the choice to prioritise girls’ education. Demand for remedial classes has increased from 1440 girls in 2014 to 2646 girls in 2016.